External Manufacturing Operations Lead (Devices)

UCB • Boston, MA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are looking for a collaborative, dynamic and results driven External Manufacturing Operations Lead (Devices) to join us in our External Manufacturing Operations team, based in any of our HUB locations: Atlanta, GA, Raleigh, NC, Boston, MA. This hybrid role (at least 40% of the time in office) requires up to 20% travel both domestically and internationally.

About the Role
You will lead the operational management of UCB's selected global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMO) & Strategic Vendors. The External Manufacturing Operations Lead is also accountable to manage related projects happening at our Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations such as technology transfers, new product introductions, and process improvements. In collaboration with Center of Excellence functions, and primarily the Devices, Wearables and Packaging (Device) team, you participate in the development and implementation of the UCB industrial manufacturing.

Who you’ll work with
You will work with internal stakeholders such as External manufacturing business leads, Quality Assurance, Regulatory, Legal, Compliance, Procurement, and Supply Chain. Externally, you will work with contract manufacturing organizations.

Requirements

• Bachelors Degree
• Minimum of 5-7 years of significant operations management experience in a “Good Manufacturing Practice” (GMP) environment
• Ability to lead multi-functional global teams, influence others, hold teams accountable, results orientated, able to manage complex projects from development through commercialization and to attain results
• Must be able to manage external business partners and relationships to influence partners to deliver results that UCB needs
• Relationship management, including robust communication and networking, internally & externally
• Non hierarchical management skills (influencing without authority)
• Basic financial & business knowledge
• Project Management experience

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree
• International exposure in the pharmaceutical or medical device domain
• Strong technical knowledge on device manufacturing
• Experience in External Manufacturing functions combined with knowledge in injectables/injection molding and medical devices manufacturing
• Knowledge of other languages (French) is an advantage

Responsibilities

• Oversee day‑to‑day operations with external manufacturing partners, leading regular cross‑functional touchpoints to ensure smooth collaboration, strong communication, and consistent delivery.
• Provide technical guidance to strengthen manufacturing performance, drive process efficiency, uphold quality standards, and lead improvement initiatives when issues arise.
• Troubleshoot and resolve manufacturing deviations, leading investigations and corrective actions for complex technical or supply challenges.
• Coordinate and implement changes with external partners, supporting quality, supply chain, and procurement teams with performance reviews, compliance checks, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Plan and manage near‑ and long‑term capacity needs in partnership with Supply Chain to ensure reliable supply and operational readiness.
• Lead cross‑functional project teams to execute technology transfers, validation activities, investigations, and business‑support work for both existing and new products.
• Support regulatory submission activities, conduct risk assessments with external manufacturers, and follow through on mitigation plans.
• Develop business cases and recommendations for external manufacturing decisions and stay current on relevant technologies and market insights to guide strategy.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level